Remembering Robin Williams Responsibly

We’re sure you’ve heard by now, that famous actor and comedian, Robin Williams, passed away recently from an apparent suicide. Robin Williams was known to have suffered depression many times in his life, and his death can be seen as a reflection of his struggle with this mental illness. There are many sites and blogs regarding his death, but the one we particularly want to share is the one posted on The Guardian that talks about responsibly reporting celebrity suicides.

Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide

For teens or people undergoing depression, reading such material could give them ideas and maybe even encourage them to mimic the actions of the celebrity. We would like to strongly encourage you to avoid these types of articles and/or videos, and talk to a qualified mental professional if you feel you are experiencing emotional distress. For a full view of the guidelines, click here.

Mental Stigma Still Attached To Depression

The most important thing to remember is that there is still a great social stigma attached to depression, which prevents people from seeking out help. By delaying aid, people increase their risk in engaging in potentially dangerous activities, such as suicide. A commentary made by a CNN responder accurately describes how we feel about this tragic affair. Please watch the video here.

EACH OF US IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS AND INACTIONS. YOU CAN DO YOUR PART BY RESPONSIBLE REPORTING AND TAKING THE STEPS TO HELP REDUCE THE STIGMA STILL ATTACHED TO DEPRESSION.